Poland

PRAYER POINTS

VIDEO

• Pray for Catholics to focus on the redemptive work of Christ on the cross and the personal relationship that He desires.

• Pray for hearts open to the message of salvation among the materialistic youth.

• Pray for more national missionaries to take the gospel to other Slavic nations.

SUMMARY

In the tenth century, Leif Eiriksson was attempting to settle in the Americas, the Byzantine Empire was reaching the height of its political power, and Poland was beginning to take root in Central Europe. With the exception of the Carpathian Mountains in the south, fertile plains provided a stable agricultural economy. During its golden age in the 1500's, Poland became a bulwark of Christendom, aiding in the establishment of the Church against invading Muslim Turks.

Several centuries later, it was the Catholic Church that kept Polish culture from crumbling under the Communist regime. After suffering the loss of one quarter of its population during WWII, Poland struggled to avoid falling into financial ruin under the direction of the Soviet Union. It wasn't until 1989, when Poland became a freed state and began to recognize ethnic minority groups previously ignored by Socialist rule, that the economy began to take shape, and an industrialized and wealthy nation emerged. Even though Poland has found freedom in its newly formed republic, the communistic attitudes remain, as well as discrimination of minorities. The newly formed wealth has bred corruption in dishonest politicians, and bureaucratic red tape dominates economic affairs.

Saudi Arabia, one of the most hostile nations towards Christianity and boasting to have a 100 percent Muslim population, has more evangelical Christians than Poland. The Catholic Church still holds sway over Polish culture, but personal faith is nominal and morality is being chipped away from the foundations of Polish society. There is a desperate need for evangelical witnesses, with 90% of the municipalities having no church. Pagan, Wiccan, and New Age religions are gaining followers, and there are two Jehovah's Witnesses for every evangelical. Poland has the potential to change the spiritual wellbeing of Europe, but it is in need of guidance to be redirected toward Christ's glory. God has carried Poland through the years of tragedy and poverty, and He shall lead them into the light He shines forth for them.